Sent an email with a typo? Here's what to do
Everyone sends a typo eventually. Most don't need fixing at all. Here is how to tell which ones do, and what to send if they do.
If you notice within a few seconds, use Undo in Gmail or Outlook to pull the email back. Otherwise, ignore small spelling mistakes: most readers won't notice or care. Send a short correction only when the typo changes the meaning: a wrong date, time, price, amount, link, name or attachment. Keep it to one or two lines, such as "Quick correction: the meeting is Thursday the 12th, not the 13th."
See also: More on taking emails back: how to unsend or recall an email.
Unsend it in the first few seconds
- Gmail: select Undo in the box that appears after you send. You can set the window to 5, 10, 20 or 30 seconds in Settings → See all settings → General → Undo send.
- Outlook.com and new Outlook: select Undo after sending. Set the delay in Settings → Mail → Compose and reply → Undo send.
- Classic Outlook with Microsoft 365 or Exchange: you can try Recall This Message on a sent email, but it only works in limited cases, mainly within the same organization.
- Apple Mail: select Undo Send at the bottom of the mailbox list within the delay you set in Mail settings.
When to send a correction
| Mistake | Correct it? |
|---|---|
| Small spelling or grammar slip | No. Let it go. |
| Wrong date, time or location | Yes, quickly. |
| Wrong price, amount or number | Yes. |
| Wrong link or missing attachment | Yes. Resend with the right link or file. |
| Misspelled the recipient's name | Usually yes, with a short apology. |
| Sent to the wrong person | Yes. Ask them to delete it, and send it to the right person. |
Correction email examples
Keep corrections short and don't over-apologize. One sentence is usually enough.
How to avoid typos next time
- Turn on Undo send with the longest delay, so you have time to spot mistakes.
- Add the recipient last. Write the email first, then fill in the To field.
- Read it aloud or read it once on your phone before sending something important.
- Check names, dates and numbers separately: those are the typos that matter.
- For big sends, send a test to yourself first. See how to test an email before you send.
A typo in the email address itself
If you mistype the address, the email either bounces back with an error or, worse, reaches a stranger. Check the bounce message with the bounce-back guide. If you are collecting addresses from customers, typos like gmial.com are common; the free email checker catches them, and Veml checks a whole list before you send.
Questions people ask
- Should I send a correction for a typo in an email?
- Only if the typo changes the meaning, such as a wrong date, number, name or link. Small spelling mistakes are best left alone.
- Can I edit an email after sending it?
- No. Once delivered, an email can't be edited. You can only unsend within a short delay, or send a correction.
- How do I apologize for a typo in an email?
- Briefly: "Quick correction:" followed by the right information. Avoid long apologies.
- What if I sent an email to the wrong person?
- Send a short note asking them to delete it, then send the email to the right person. If it contained private information, tell your manager or IT team.